As everyone knows, O’Neal manned the middle for the Lakers during their three straight championship runs a decade ago. He often referred to himself as “the CEO” of those teams -- which, of course, led to the clashes with Kobe Bryant.

Bryant said he tweaked his shoulder while dunking on Antawn Jamison in practice Tuesday, but it didn't start hurting until later that day. He wanted to play against Portland, but the team overruled him with six preseason games still left on its schedule.